soundroom

soundroom
P O R T E D
8 X 1 0 ,
4 X 1 0
&
2 X 1 0
INNOVATIVE
PRODUCT
S P E A K E R
C A B I N E T S
S Series Cabinets
AGUILAR
OUTSTANDING
TONE
BY JONATHAN HERRERA
®
OUTSTANDING
VALUE
nents of its high-end GS-series cabinets into
a lower-cost design. But the S cabs aren’t
L
OUTSTANDING
CONSTRUCTION
et’s face it: Though we may play the
simply down-market rehashes; compared to
occasional big-money show, most of
the GS cabs, the S cabs are lighter, smaller,
us spend our post-gig drives anx-
and voiced with a more forward midrange—
iously wondering if the two grimy
qualities that Aguilar engineered with the jour-
Jacksons the bandleader peeled off will be
neyman gigger in mind.
enough dough to balance out that night’s
The S cabs have the same 18-gauge steel
beer bill, parking ticket, and gas money.
grille, crossover, and tweeter as the GS cabs.
That’s why buying ultra-high-end gear like
They also feature Aguilar-designed Eminence
that made by New York’s Aguilar Amplifica-
drivers like the GS series, but the 10s in the
tion can sometimes be a financial fantasy.
S cabs have stamped (as opposed to cast)
You’d have to do a year’s worth of Top 40
frames and smaller magnets. The S and GS
gigs (and cut back on that bar tab) to get
cabs share the same crossover, L-pad, and
even close. But not anymore: Aguilar intends
tweeter. Each S-cab is constructed from
the S cabs to be a “new standard” for afford-
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). Owing
able cabinets, packing some of the compo-
to its density, stiffness, and void-free composition, MDF is an excellent speaker cabinet material. Unlike their slot-ported
Aguilar S 210
List price: $549; approx. street price: $400
Pros: Punchy mids; sweet tone.
Cons: None.
Aguilar S 410
List price: $849; approx. street price: $640
Pros: Full lows, clean highs, and fat tone.
Cons: Slightly slow attack.
Aguilar S 810
List price: $1,349; approx. street price:
$1,000
Pros: Portable for an 8x10; articulate sound.
Cons: None.
Contact: 800-304-1875;
www.aguilaramp.com
brethren, the S cabs all feature tubular
rear porting, which contributes to the
cabs’ small footprint and lower weight.
mounted with machine bolts and T-nuts,
Affordable or not, the S cabs fea-
which are more dependable than wood-
ture excellent construction with desir-
screws. The high-quality plastic corners are
able details. To reduce internal
made from durable rubberized plastic and
resonance, each cab is extensively
were securely fastened on the test cabinets.
braced and lined with synthetic 2"-
The perforated steel grilles were rattle- and
thick insulation. The woofers are
buzz-free throughout testing. As opposed
to the black GS covering, the S cabs utilize
finer-textured gray carpet; it was skillfully
applied. The steel recessed-bar handles felt
sturdy and were well placed for easy lifting.
To prevent air leaks and whistling noises, the
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Each S cab has 1/4" and Speakon jacks. The S 410
and S 210 also feature tweeter-attenuating 50watt L-pads, adjustable via a back-panel knob.
The “surround” is the area around the speaker cone that flexes as the speaker moves. The S cabs
have “M” roll surrounds, as opposed to pleated surrounds. The S cab’s surrounds are glued to the
cone with about 1/2" of overlap. Some speaker engineers feel that rolled surrounds allow for
greater cone excursion than pleated designs and that a 1/2" overlap reinforces the cone, reducing
the potential for cone crease.
S cabs’ q" jacks are sealed with silicone sealant
and encased in heatshrink tubing.
highs were a little tamer on the 4x10, likely due to
the greater woofer-to-tweeter ratio. The S 410
I Need A Roadie
has good headroom and sensitivity, producing
Staffers and I tested the S cabs on a variety of
powerful tone that spoke well, even with vigor-
gigs and in the Soundroom. Testing amps included
ous B-string attacks.
T E C H S P E C S
Aguilar S 810
Type: 8x10, rear-ported
the Aguilar DB 750, Ampeg SVT5-PRO, Gallien-
On a zydeco gig, one staffer appreciated the
Krueger 1001RB-II, Glockenklang Bass Art Clas-
S 410’s warmth and depth. He dug the 4x10s big
sic, Thunderfunk TFB420, Hartke HA4000, and
soundstage and full-bodied output, and was espe-
Eminence stamped-frame drivers
our Demeter VTBP-201S and Crest CA-9. Test
cially drawn to its “woody and organic” midrange.
Frequency response: 42Hz–3.3kHz
basses included a variety of active and passive
In the Soundroom, I got vicious bridge-pickup funk
Power handling: 1,000 watts RMS
4- and 5-strings.
out of the S 410 as well as deep, thumpy reggae
Impedance: 4Ω
tones. The S 410 was a solid all-around performer.
Sensitivity: 104dB SPL (1W/1m)
Woofers: Custom-designed
Dimensions: 45" x 23q" x 17"
S 210
Weight: 131 lbs
Despite the S 210’s conservative 250-watt power
S 810
rating, staffers and I rocked the cab with some
Thanks to its space-efficient design, the S 810 is
powerful heads. Provided we didn’t get too
remarkably small for an 8x10. In fact, with its 3"
Aguilar S 410
aggressive, the little wonder didn’t seem to mind.
rear wheels and well-placed top handles, it’s the
Type: 4x10 + tweeter, rear-ported
The 210 has a warm, deep, and punchy sound
easiest 8x10 I’ve ever had to move. Tilting it back
Woofers: Custom-designed
with a low-mid emphasis that cuts. The powerful
dolly-style was a cinch. The cabinet feels rugged,
tweeter gives the S 210 a good deal of clarity and
but rear skid rails would enhance durability.
detail, adding sheen to slap and grind when I
played pickstyle.
Eminence stamped-frame drivers
Tweeter: P.Audio HT-410 1" phenolic
Some 8x10s assault the ear with enormous
booty and thick low-end response; the S 810, by
compression driver with horn
Frequency response: 42Hz–16kHz
The 210 was a groovy little slap, funk, and rock
contrast, supplies articulation, balance, and excel-
Power handling: 500 watts RMS
cab, with good articulation and a firm response.
lent note definition. It doesn’t have overwhelm-
Impedance: 4Ω or 8Ω
One staffer reported that the S 210 was meaty
ing, earth-shattering bass, but it did provide solid
Sensitivity: 101dB SPL (1W/1m)
and authoritative on a pair of bar gigs, one with
thump with a flatwound-strung Fender Precision.
Dimensions: 24" x 22w" x 16y"
a funky guitar trio, the other with a horn-laden
I didn’t miss a tweeter, as the S 810’s massive air
Weight: 83 lbs
blues band. The cab’s inherent low-mid bark
movement felt natural on its own. Even without a
places it about midway on the chronological tone
tweeter, the Aguilar had good treble response—
Aguilar S 210
continuum; the S 210 has modern sizzle with a
but if you need sizzly edge, it’s not the cab for
Type: 2x10 + tweeter, rear-ported
healthy dose of vintage corpulence. For a 2x10,
you. With all musical styles, the S 810 remained
Woofers: Custom-designed
the Aguilar handled a B string well, exhibiting a
precise and controlled, providing clear upper-mid
smooth and sweet transition into the low regis-
definition and tight lows.
Tweeter: P.Audio HT-410 1" phenolic
For The Masses
Frequency response: 42Hz–16kHz
S 410
The Aguilar S cabs, with their distinctive voice,
Power handling: 250 watts RMS
You might expect the S 410 to sound like a big-
assertive tone, and durable construction, are well
Impedance: 4Ω or 8Ω
ger, louder version of the S 210, and it does, but
suited to the frequent gigger. Each cab boasts
Sensitivity: 101dB SPL (1W/1m)
only to a certain extent. Whereas the S 210 is
a unique sound, but there’s a common thread
Dimensions: 15" x 22w" x 16y"
midrange-focused, the 4x10 has a more author-
of punchiness, poise, and warmth throughout
Weight: 52 lbs
itative low-end response and a fuller, fatter sound.
the line that belies the S cabs’ affordable price.
What it gains in girth it loses in quickness; the 2x10
The Aguilar S cabs provide great tone at a
Made in: USA
felt slightly more responsive to transients. The
delectable value.
Warranty: Three years
Eminence stamped-frame drivers
compression driver with horn
ter while staying taut and well behaved.
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